The purpose of an aperitif is to open the palate. Taking its name from the Latin verb aperire (“to open”), the aperitif is a light, dry premeal drink that serves to stimulate the appetite and ready one’s stomach for the food yet to come. Not too sweet and not too boozy, these beverages (also called aperitivos in Italy) stoke rather than numb the taste buds. These bitter, herbaceous sips are often served with light snacks as a lovely predinner ritual.

Below is an introduction to the pillars of a solid aperitif menu. These beverages can, and should, be enjoyed simply—with little more than a splash of club soda, an ice cube, or a citrus twist. A couple of chilled ounces of your chosen aperitif is all you need—before dinner, at least.

VERMOUTH
What It Is: Aromatized and fortified wine with cardamom, citrus, juniper, saffron, chamomile, or vanilla notes. ABV: 15% to 18%
Where It’s From: Southern France/ northern Italy
How to Drink It as an Aperitif: In a small glass with 1 or 2 ice cubes and a lemon or orange twist
Where Else to Put It: Sweet: in a Manhattan; dry: in a gin martini

QUINQUINAWhat It Is: Aromatized and fortified wine characterized by a bitter edge from quinine-rich chinchona bark. ABV: 15% to 18%
Where It’s From: France
How to Drink It as an Aperitif: In a small glass with 1 or 2 ice cubes, a splash of club soda, and an orange slice
Where Else to Put It: In a Corpse Reviver #2

AMERICANOWhat It Is: Aromatized and fortified wine defined by a blend of gentian, chinchona bark, and orange peels. ABV: 16%
Where It’s From: Italy
How to Drink It as an Aperitif: In a small glass with 1 or 2 ice cubes, a splash of club soda, and an orange slice
Where Else to Put It: In a Vesper

CAMPARIWhat It Is: Aromatic liqueur noted for its spicy bittersweetness from rhubarb, ginseng, oranges, and herbs. ABV: 24%
Where It’s From: Italy
How to Drink It as an Aperitif: Chilled with a splash of club soda and a lemon or orange twist
Where Else to Put It: In a Negroni

APEROLWhat It Is: Aromatic liqueur (milder than Campari) infused with orange, rhubarb, gentian, and chinchona bark. ABV: 11%
Where It’s From: Italy
How to Drink It as an Aperitif: Chilled with a splash of club soda and a lemon or orange twist
Where Else to Put It: In an Aperol Spritz

DIY DIGESTIFAfter-dinner drinks are important, too. A slightly richer and sweeter postdinner sip helps you to digest the meal just as a light and dry aperitif helped start it.